The fraud case arising from the installation of information technology (IT) infrastructure at the Botshabelo District Hospital’s doctors’ quarters against two individuals, including an IT company, is set for 11 February in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court. The matter against the suspects Sibusiso Edward Radebe (44), Sidwell Ntuli (50), and Bloemfontein-based Supana Technologies was first heard on 12 November.
It followed the Bloemfontein Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team probing into the fraud case estimated at R1 496 688.17.
WO Fikiswa Matoti, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said summons were served in October, following the completion of the investigation. She said the complainant raised alarm after his company was allegedly not paid for work to install IT infrastructure at the doctors’ quarters at the hospital in question, in 2023.
“The complainant alleges that his company, together with the company which Radebe worked for, were appointed by the Free State Department of Health to form part of the project to install IT infrastructure at the Botshabelo District Hospital’s doctors’ quarters.
“He also alleges that he was informed by one of the suspects’ company that the project was completed in December 2023, and that a payment to an amount of R1 496, 688.17 was made to another company, and not directly to the complainant’s company,” said Matoti.
She said according to information provided, Radebe was the project co-ordinator who supplied information and communication technology (ICT) equipment and its installation during the commencement of the project to the value of R206 942.50. In addition, the complainant’s company executed part of the work.
“As a result of this alleged fraud, the complainant was prejudiced and suffered a loss of R1 496 688.17,” said Matoti.
